An Inspector Calls and Other Plays (Penguin Modern Classics)

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Sheila: (half serious, half playful) Yes – except for all last summer, when you never came near me, and I wondered what had happened to you.

What’s more, there's a free Online Edition with even more activities for specific exam boards — ideal if you’re on the move! Birling: All right, Edna. Show him in here. Give us some more light. // Edna does, then goes out .// I’m still on the bench. It may be something about a warrant. Birling: Edna'll answer it. Well, have another glass of port, Gerald – and then we'll join the ladies. That'll stop me giving you good advice. Gale, Maggie (2004). "Theatre and drama between the wars". In Nicholls, Peter; Marcus, Laura (eds.). The Cambridge history of twentieth-century English literature. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press. p.328. ISBN 0-521-82077-4. the middle class family was at the centre of much of Priestley's work ... most clearly perhaps in 'An Inspector Calls'. Birling: (taking one himself) Ah, you don't know what you're missing. I like a good cigar. (indicating decanter .) help yourself.Inspector: (cutting through, massively) I’ve been round to the room she had, and she'd left a letter there and a sort of diary. Like a lot of these young women who get into various kinds of trouble, she'd used more than one name. But her original name – her real name – was Eva Smith . Birling: ( with a marked change of tone) Well, of course, if I’d known that earlier, I wouldn't have called you officious and talked about reporting you. You understand that, don't you, Inspector? I thought that – for some reason best known to yourself – you were making the most of this tiny bit of information I could give you. I'm sorry. This makes a difference. You sure of your facts? Eric: No. And I couldn't remember her name or where she lived . It was all very vague. But I happened to see her again in the palace bar.

Sheila: (urgently, cutting in) mother, don't – please don't. For your own sake, as well as ours, you mustn't-- Birling: I can't imagine. But he was in one of his excitable queer moods, and even though we don't need him here-- Birling: I don't mind your being here, Gerald. And I’m sure you've no objection, have you, Inspector? Perhaps I ought to explain first that this is Mr Gerald Croft – the son of Sir George Croft – you know, Crofts Limited. Sheila: that's probably about the best thing you've said tonight. At least it's honest. Did you go and see her every night? Birling: Rubbish! If you don't come down sharply on some of these people, they'd soon be asking for the earth.Inspector: (very deliberately) I think you did something terribly wrong – and that you're going to spend the rest of your life regretting it. I wish you'd been with me tonight in the infirmary. You'd have seen- Birling makes a lengthy speech, not only congratulating Gerald and Sheila, but also commenting on the state of the nation. He predicts prosperity, particularly referring to the example of the “unsinkable” Titanic, which set sail the week earlier. Birling styles himself as a “hard-headed man of business.” Sheila: Milwards! We go there – in fact, I was there this afternoon – (archly to Gerald) for your benefit.

Inspector: I’d like some information if you don't mind, Mr Birling. Two hours ago a young woman died in the infirmary. She'd been taken there this afternoon because she'd swallowed a lot of strong disinfectant . Burnt her inside out, of course. Mrs Birling: that – I consider – is a trifle impertinent, Inspector. // Sheila gives short hysterical laugh// Now, what is it, Sheila?

Sheila: Yes, but it didn't seem to be anything very terrible at the time. Don't you understand? And if I could help her now, I would --- Sheila: No, that's not fair, Eric. I could have told her months ago, but of course, I didn't. I only told her tonight because I knew everything was coming out – it was simply bound to come out tonight – so I thought she might as well know in advance. Don't forget – I've already been through it. ii. You may use the Service and any titles for your own personal use, including but not limited to study, classroom teaching, lesson planning or in-school training. An Inspector Calls (lost television adaptation of play; 1948) - The Lost Media Wiki". lostmediawiki.com . Retrieved 16 September 2023.

If you become aware of any unauthorised use of Your Account, you must notify us immediately. 5. Termination Inspector: (massively taking charge) allow me, Miss Birling. (to Gerald.) I can tell you why Miss Birling wants to stay on and why she says it might be better for her if she did. A girl died tonight. A pretty, lively sort of girl, who never did anybody any harm. But she died in misery and agony – hating life – Mrs Birling: (after a pause, recovering herself) if necessary I shall be glad to answer any questions the inspector wishes to ask me. Though naturally, I don't know anything about this girl.Inspector: No, I don't. I know why she needed help . But as I wasn't there, I don't know what she asked from your committee. An Inspector Calls". www.aninspectorcalls.com. Archived from the original on 11 April 2012 . Retrieved 9 April 2012. Use CGP Online Editions for your own personal use, including things like studying, classroom teaching, lesson planning and in-school training. Birling: No, we won't. It's one of the happiest nights of my life. And one day, I hope, Eric, when you've got a daughter of your own, you'll understand why. Gerald, I’m going to tell you frankly, without any pretences, that your engagement to Sheila means a tremendous lot to me. She'll make you happy, and I’m sure you'll make her happy. You're just the kind of son-in-law I always wanted. Your father and I have been friendly rivals in business for some time now – though crofts limited are both older and bigger than Birling and company – and now you've brought us together, and perhaps we may look forward to the time when Crofts and Birlings are no longer competing but are working together – for lower costs and higher prices.